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Saturday, September 29, 2012

Belgian Saison Ales were also known as "Farmhouse Ales". They were simple country beer brewed on self-sufficient farms created as a matter of necessity for farm hands. Our Saison is a distinctive version that features a classic Belgian Saison yeast as well as Coriander, Pepper and Grains of Paradise. These ingredients come together to create a refreshing, spicy and subtly fruity flavour. You can enjoy this beer immediately or cellar it for up to a year.

The Pour
This brew pours golden and clear with a one finger head that clings to the sides of the glass around a cloudy centre.

Aroma
You can definitely smell the light aromas of Belgian yeast which brings with them notes of bubblegum, dried plummy fruit and also some welcome hints of brighter fruit as well.

Taste
The bubblegum carries over from the nose, as it does in many Belgian beers, and there is some very faint spiciness from the coriander, pepper and grains of paradise. If you've tried Sam Adams Summer Ale, this saison shares a similar flavor profile, but is fairly toned down which I suppose makes sense, since a saison is a simple farmhouse beer. I was expecting a little more pepper or hop kick; as it was, these flavors were barely there.

Overall
If we are going on style, I think this brew hits its mark. The yeast is the star here and imparts the most flavor and aroma in a style that is meant to be simple and refreshing. However, since all the spices were also included I was expecting a bit more excitement. I'm not sure I would have found them if they weren't advertised on the bottle.

I give it a solid B. With a few bonus points for Great Lakes experimenting with some old world styles for their anniversary.

The 3rd Annual BC Beer Awards and CAMRA’s Harvest Cask Festival, celebrating only the very best of locally-produced craft beer, returning to Vancouver at Chapel Arts (304 Dunlevy Avenue, Vancouver) from 1-7pm on Saturday, October 13th, 2012 is nearly sold out! The few remaining tickets to the signature event of the official British Columbia Craft Beer Month are only $35.00 and available exclusively at http://harvestcaskfestival.eventbrite.ca/.

The organizers are also pleased to announce that the designated charity of choice will be the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (www.foodbank.bc.ca). The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society provides food for nearly 27‚000 people weekly through 15 food depots and over 100 community agency partners. A table will be set up at the front door of Chapel Arts on day of the event, and all attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food donations or a cash contribution to this important society. Everyone’s help is greatly appreciated.

One of the most focused craft beer events in Western Canada, the 2012 BC Beer Awards showcases and celebrates the very best of locally-made craft beer. This year’s award ceremony will include a record number of entries from breweries and brewpubs, from all corners of the province. Winners will be selected in 12 distinct categories, and the judging is set to take place on September 29th at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. Judges will include certified Beer Judges, Cicerones, Sommeliers, as well as noted beer and food lovers.

With increasing consumer demand for locally-produced craft beer, the BC Beer Awards and CAMRA’s Harvest Cask Festival couldn’t come at a better time. Craft beer brewed in BC is developing a flavour and style that is uniquely its own. Let’s celebrate together!

“There is an incredible momentum in our industry, with so many new creative craft brewers that are diversifying and exemplifying our craft. The creativity and passion is amazing, and our product is world-class!”

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Industry Event of the Year” Features Local and International Brewing Experts

Gala Beer Dinner & Centre of Excellence Awards

Ontario Craft Brewers are pleased to announce their first industry conference to be held on October 19, 2012. The Ontario Craft Brewers Conference & Centre of Excellence Awards will take place at the Hilton Suites in Markham, Ontario and will include speakers from the craft brewing industry in Ontario, Canada, Europe and the U.S presenting leading edge topics and a Suppliers’ Marketplace. The conference agenda is available online at http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.com/conference/agenda.php

“There is a great deal of growth and interest in the craft brewing industry in Ontario,” says Jason Britton, brewmaster at Cameron’s Brewing Co. and chair of Ontario Craft Brewers’ Conference Advisory Committee. “The goal of our first year is to establish a conference that serves the craft brewing industry with quality speakers and excellent content. And we hope to create something we can build upon in the future.”

The event will also feature a Suppliers Marketplace with key industry suppliers of equipment, technology and services (list below).

The day conference will be capped off by a gala beer dinner and the first Centre of Excellence Awards which recognize contributors of excellence among small, medium and large organizations, supporting the craft brewing industry at the local, regional, national or international level.

Awards fall into the following categories: Product Quality/Process Innovation, Marketing Innovation, Education Leadership, Food & Beer Matching Development, Sustainability Accomplishments, and Community Building. The top three nominees in each category will be available for online votes to determine the category winners starting October 1st. http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.com/conference/

The conference is open to any organizations, breweries, brewers and associates from Canada and the U.S.

Members of pop rock band Barenaked Ladies visited the Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery in Barrie this week to brew a collaboration beer named after the iconic Canadian band. Called ‘BNL Strong Beer,’ the Flying Monkeys and the Ladies have concocted a fudge-y Imperial Chocolate stout with an 11% ABV that really lives up to its name.

Flying Monkeys founder and brewer, Peter Chiodo, was awestruck when the Barenaked Ladies accepted the invitation brew. “They were totally involved in the birth of this beer. BNL member Kevin Hearn contributed some great original artwork for the beer’s packaging –quirky, colourful, and perfectly Flying Monkeys -- and the guys came to join us for an actual brew day. They didn’t just stick their name on the beer. The guys got a crash course in the brewhouse. Honestly, we’ve never collaborated with a better bunch of guys!”

Band members visited the local Barrie brewery on Monday and participated in the start of the official brew under the direction of Flying Monkeys Head Brewer Paul Buttery.

Tyler Stewart reminisced “I worked in the Beer Store when I was younger, but never dreamed I would have my own beer one day.”

The brew will be available in stores across Canada in November, to coincide with the band’s "Symphony Barenaked" tour across Canada. The Barenaked Ladies will be performing hits and holiday songs, backed by local symphonies. The shows begin in Vancouver on Nov. 30.

Light, rounded, thirst quenching, and refreshing; Sirius Wheat Ale is is packaged unfiltered with a proportion of wheat in grist bill, Cameron’s Sirius Wheat Ale has a cloudy appearance with the proteins and yeast in suspension.

“Our brewers continue to push the boundaries of innovation in the art and craft of brewing high quality products. Our newest seasonal is already garnering great reviews from our beer connoisseurs. Sirius Wheat Ale is in a way a bit of a departure from our other products, as it is a lighter brew, lower alcohol (4.2%) but without any compromise on the flavor,” says Bill Coleman, president and Co-owner, Cameron’s Brewing Co.

For centuries brewers have been making wheat beer. Back in colonial America, President Thomas Jefferson and his wife Martha were known for their wheat beer.

“Our ancestors used wheat for a variety of reasons including the fact that wheat was an ingredient they could grow in abundance, providing good “heading" properties for a very drinkable beer. Those qualities are still very important to beer connoisseurs today,” adds Mr. Britton.

Cameron’s Sirius Wheat Ale is currently available at the Cameron’s Retail Store and select licensees throughout Ontario. Currently we are serving at Betty’s, Compass Restaurant, Griffin Gastropub, BarVolo, Stout Irish Pub, Dangerous Dan's Diner and more every day. Six packs retail for $12.95 and 30 and 58 litre kegs retail for $115 and $212 (plus HST&Deposit).

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

On Saturday September 29th from 2-11pm, join Cam & Greg and our Brewmaster Marek as they kick off Oktoberfest with a ceremonial keg-tapping. Hosted by George Kash and the Oktoberfest Express, the festival will include litre steins of Steam Whistle Pilsner, gigantic doughy pretzels, lip-smacking sausage & sauerkraut, folk dancers, and arm-linked crowds joined in revelry and refreshment. $25 at the door includes your first one-liter Pilsner, and an authentic stein to take home.Steam Whistle is running a contest to win an Oktoberfest experience at the brewery (including airfare, hotel, a beer dinner & more!) http://www.facebook.com/SteamWhistle#!/SteamWhistle/app_293747457399740

Inspired by a staff trip touring Czech breweries and Munich’s world-famous beer festival, Steam Whistle embraces yet another European tradition at their Toronto brewery. “We experienced such rich brewing heritage and beer culture in Europe that we were determined to recreate that same magic here at Steam Whistle” explains brewery co-founder Cam Heaps. “Oktoberfest in Munich was spectacular: literally thousands of people together celebrating beer through camaraderie, song, food, folk culture and pageantry. We invite beer lovers to join in Steam Whistle’s versions of this renowned festival.”

Monday, September 24, 2012

Samuel Adams is proud to announce the return and
national expansion of Samley Cup, a homebrew competition launched regionally
last year to challenge local bar and restaurant staff to homebrew a quality
beer worthy of carrying the Samuel Adams name. Based on the success of the
first annual competition, Samley Cup is now open to staff at participating
establishments throughout Canada.

This year’s winning Black IPA was brewed
by a team at Beer Bistro in Toronto using a variety of malts and hops to yielding a complex
and flavorful beer that impressed the judges.

Samuel Adams has long been a champion of
homebrewing. In fact, twenty eight years ago, Jim Koch, founder and brewer of
Samuel Adams, brewed the first batch of Samuel Adams Boston Lager® in his
kitchen and that first brew went on to help start the craft beer revolution.
Over the years, Jim has helped other aspiring homebrewers realize their brewing
dreams through homebrew contests like Samley Cup and Samuel Adams LongShot
American Homebrew Contest.

“Since brewing the first batch of Samuel Adams
Boston Lager in my kitchen 28 years ago, I’ve continued to explore interesting
ingredients and different brewing techniques to create really interesting beers,"
said Jim Koch. “Samley Cup encourages participants, who are serving and cooking
with beer every day, to rethink the possibilities of what beer can be and
empowers them to create their own one-of-a-kind brew.”

The panel of industry judges included Dean
Gianocostas, brewer at Samuel Adams, Jordan St. John, beer blogger and national
beer columnist for Sun Media, Crystal Luxmore, beer columnist for The Grid,
Mirella Amato, beer writer, educator and founder of Beerology, and Cass
Enright, president and writer for The Bar Towel, to select this year’s
winners.

Each beer that was in consideration for the Samley Cup was carefully evaluated on the aroma, appearance, flavour, mouthfeel and overall
impression according to specific homebrewing guidelines. In addition to taking
home the coveted Samley Cup, the winning team from Beer Bistro will receive a trip to Boston to
tour the famous Samuel Adams Brewery.
Awards were also be given for Best Name and Best Packaging and those
winners received a bottle of limited edition Samuel Adams Utopias. All
winners were invited to an exclusive Samuel Adams beer dinner to take place
after the awards ceremony.

While judging had been underway regionally for
weeks, craft beer fans were invited to attend the final competition which was held at 7:00 pm on September 17 at the Bier Markt Esplanade in Toronto.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Last night at the closing night party of Toronto Beer Week, the 2012 Golden Tap Awards were announced. The awards, now in their 10th year, recognize the best achievements in beer in Ontario, as voted upon by the general public. The 2012 winners were:

Saturday, September 22, 2012

The Genesee Brewery held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 31 to unveil The Genesee Brew House and announce details of its grand opening. The public grand opening celebration was held on Sept. 8 and featured a free concert, tours of the pilot brewery, beer tastings for individuals who are 21 years of age or older, food and more.“The Genesee Brew House commemorates Genesee brewery employees and our loyal fans,” said Rich Lozyniak, CEO of North American Breweries, Genesee’s parent company. “It captures Genesee’s rich history while paying tribute to brewing in Rochester, New York.”“For over 130 years, The Genesee Brewery has been a vital part of our local economy and has helped put Monroe County on the map. Today’s opening of the Brew House signifies the many great things that are in store for our region. I applaud the public-private partnerships that made this investment possible and wish North American Breweries continued success in revitalizing this historic jewel of our community,” said Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks.In November of 2011, The Genesee Brewery announced plans to renovate the former packaging center in Rochester’s Northeast neighborhood. The majority of the development project is complete but the outdoor concert and event space will be completed in spring 2013. The company has invested nearly $3.9 million into the project.“The Genesee Brew House will be a destination for Rochester residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Thomas S. Richards. “We look forward to the vibrancy that people will bring here as they come to dine, see the exhibits, sample the brew and take in the newly opened vistas of the High Falls and Genesee River gorge.”

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

With a burgeoning Arts scene and a city that loves its beer, The Grand Theatre is hoping to entice a new audience to a unique event. Wetting both whistles this looks to be an exciting new event! Be sure to check it out on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 7:00pm - 11:00pm.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Cask Days 2012 is fast approaching. This years Cask-Conditioned Craft Beer Festival in Toronto, Ontario that will take place on Saturday, October 27th and Sunday, October 28th 2012 at a new venue, Evergreen Brickworks, a dynamic public space in the heart of Toronto’s Don Valley.

Being the only festival of its kind in the country, they have announced a delightful list of confirmed breweries representing the best of the best, from coast to coast.

Cask Days was founded by barVolo in 2005 and has remained family run for the last eight years. Their aim this year is to give you a unique beer festival experience that celebrates not only local craft beer but local food, art and music.

Always a great week to be in Toronto, this years Toronto Beer Week does not disappoint!Amsterdam Brewery will be hosting 5 nights of casks starting tonight and going until Saturday. They will tap a new cask each night at 5PM and the events are completely free and open to the public. They'll pour till the cask is gone. They will also have some nice cheese pairings and take home 5oz glasses.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada, two family-owned craft breweries known for their unique hopping techniques, are deepening the bond they forged with the 2009 collaboration Life & Limb.

Their new beer, an East-meets-West Imperial IPA called Rhizing Bines, will clock in at 8% ABV and 70 IBUs.

“We had a lot of fun brewing the original dark and roasty Life & Limb in Chico with the Grossmans and Sierra Nevada’s extended family,” says Dogfish Head President and Founder Sam Calagione. “We are very proud of the way that beer turned out. Now it’s our turn to repay that hospitality and brew a very hop-centric IPA in Milton with our pals from Chico, incorporating innovative ingredients and techniques from both breweries.”

On the hot side, Rhizing Bines will go through Dogfish’s signature continual-hopping process with floral and citrusy Bravo hops. On the cold side, it will be dry-hopped with an experimental varietal so new it doesn’t yet have a name, just a number: Hop 644. A component of Sierra Nevada’s aroma-boosting Torpedo system will make a pit-stop in Delaware for dry-hopping duty before it heads to Sierra’s new North Carolina brewery.

“It gives my wife and myself great comfort to know that although we’re leaving our home and friends on the West Coast, we’re joining our craft brewing friends on the East Coast,” says Sierra Nevada General Manager Brian Grossman. “Here’s to great beer!”

The label for Rhizing Bines depicts the pairings behind this beer: two hop varietals, two yeast strains (Chico and Doggie), two unique hopping processes and two family-owned breweries. These bonds start at the root – or rhizome – and stretch throughout the mature bines.

“Sam and his family and the entire Dogfish crew have been friends of ours for a long time,” says Sierra Nevada Founder Ken Grossman. “When we started talking about doing another collaboration we jumped at the chance, especially since this version will be the hoppy counterpoint to the last brews. We couldn’t say no! We’re looking forward to joining forces again. We’ve got one of our Hop Torpedos on a truck right now on its way to Delaware via North Carolina, and we’re eager to taste the finished product.”

Rhizing Bines will be brewed at Dogfish Head’s coastal Delaware brewery. It’s expected to hit taps and shelves throughout Dogfish’s 27-state distribution network in February 2013.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Ottawa, ONLast chance to grab tickets for Saturday’s events, Friday and Sunday tickets still available

Fans of the band Plants and Animals, songwriter/singer Ron Hawkins, and BC’s Carolyn Mark will need to hurry to get tickets to Beau’s Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept 29. Tickets for the Saturday for the three-day festival are now 75% sold, making a total sell out for Saturday a likely scenario. Oktoberfest fans should still be able to get tickets to Friday (a later start at 4 pm to 11 pm), and Sunday (11-6) once Saturday tickets are gone, either online or at the gate.

Oktoberfest is the signature fundraising event for Beau’s All Natural Brewery, and takes place at the Fairgrounds in Vankleek Hill, Ont. Beau’s Oktoberfest is a three-day Bavarian-themed celebration of craft beer, local food and independent musicians. This year’s fundraising benefits local charities Operation Come Home, JustFood, and the Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society. To help further boost the Oktoberfest funds raised this year, Beau’s has enlisted local sponsors Desjardins Caisse Populaire Nouvel-Horizon, Harden Group, and Theoret Martel Proudfoot Insurance Brokers Ltd.

Single-day passes for Oktoberfest 2012 are $18 including GST, or one can save $9 on daily admission by purchasing a 3-day pass for $45. Round trip bus transportation from Ottawa can be added to any daily ticket for an additional $15. Tickets are available online at www.beaus.ca.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Amsterdam Brewing Co. Ltd. is pleased to announce that they will be relocating their operations this fall. Effective November 1, 2012 production will move to 45 Esandar Drive, directly east of the new Leaside Village retail area. The brewery is being moved to a larger facility in order to accommodate the growth of the Amsterdam brand family. The new site will offer a leading edge retail shopping experience complete with a 40 x 10 ft. glass wall to allow for a clear view directly into the brew house. Customers will be encouraged to tour the facility and sample from over 10 of the “made fresh daily” beers that will be on tap. In addition to this, there will be a 2000 sq/ft hospitality space that will play host to events such as beer dinners, Brew Master seminars, weekly casking events and corporate bookings. Friends of Amsterdam can look forward to a full calendar of events.

“We are very excited to be relocating to our new Leaside home” says Jeff Carefoote, owner and operator of The Amsterdam Brewing Company. “The people of Leaside have shown their commitment to local business, local culture and craft beer, and we feel that our new brewery will be well received by the community.”

In May of 2013 The Amsterdam Brewing Co. will return to its roots and open a Brew Pub on the Toronto waterfront at 245 Queens Quay West. The facility will focus on small, fresh batches of Amsterdam specialty brews for the 900-seat restaurant/pub and it’s beer inspired menu. (Details of restaurant management to come at a later date.) The location will also function as the Brewery’s Toronto core Retail Store, offering the entire portfolio in all its sizes and prices. The site will host feature tastings, educational tours, beer dinners, special events, and an Amster’Dam good summer patio (300- person patio on the lake).

“We hope that through reflecting on our history and continuing our passion for authenticity, the Brew Pub will become a destination for the people of Toronto and it’s visitors” says Carefoote, owner and operator of The Amsterdam Brewing Company.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

For Your InformationHefeweizen (the prefix "hefe" is German for yeast) is the name for unfiltered wheat beers, while kristallweizen ("kristall" being German for crystal) is the same beer filtered.

The Pour
This interesting brew poured with very little carb and little to no head, just uneven bubbling that quickly disappeared. As you can see the colour is a wonderful yellow that turns to tones of orange, peach and sunsets once the glass is full. The brew is cloudy due to not being pasteurized. The lack of head is odd for a wheat but a welcome surprise.

Aroma
There is a lot of sweet wheat aromas upfront that give way to light hints of orange and tropical fruits like cantaloupe and honeydew as the beer opens up. Very delicate, but pleasurable. I did not detect any hops.

Taste
I found it light-bodied with a small amount of carb bite. The mouthfeel ends up a bit thin, but the bite makes it very refeshing and gulpable. I started to detect some mild melon flavours but was surprised more of the nose didn't make it to my palate.Overall
This was a very interesting Hefe and that scores it more points in my book. It was almost a wheat in flavour, an English pale ale in body, and a Southern Tier IPA in colour. This is another beer I can't quite give the same high ratings as Ratebeer and Beer Advocate, but it certainly was memorable, and that's what matters most to me.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Just months after a sneak-peek during the company’s 1st Anniversary Party, Spearhead Brewing has announced that its second brew will be their Moroccan Brown Ale. It will be officially launched September 14th, 2012.

Described as an “American-style brown ale brewed with dates, raisins, figs and a dash of cinnamon, naturally carbonated, unfiltered and unpasteurized” it will be joining the popular Hawaiian Pale Ale. Look for it on tap at the Spearhead booth at the Premium Beer Experience, the kick-off event for Toronto Beer Week taking place at the Berkeley Church (315 Queen St. E., Toronto) this Thursday September 13th.

This will be followed by an official launch party at Bar Hop (391 King St. W., Toronto) on Friday, and appearances at other venues and events during Toronto Beer Week and beyond.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

A pleasant surprise from one of the biggest barrel agers in the business. Innis & Gunn have another new product. Their Winter Treacle Porter should be hitting shelves at the LCBO soon.

"This is the first time we have brewed and oak matured a Porter, which has been imparted with great depth of flavour thanks to the addition of some roasted wheat, crystal malt and molasses (rich dark treacle). These flavour packed ingredients, along with our long, slow signature approach to maturation, have created a sublime beer that is perfect for cold, dark, winter nights."

Along with the cooler weather, we should have some amazingly rich beers headed our way!

Friday, September 7, 2012

Steam Whistle is an active supporter of independent Canadian musicians and the craft brewery’s UNSIGNED concert series is now in its fifth year running. The Unsigned series started in Toronto at Steam Whistle Brewery and now takes place in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver with the goal of giving back and helping the growth of Canada’s indie music community. The September 21stshow will be hosted in the Toronto Brewery’s Beer Hall and will feature loud rock n roll of OdonisOdonis, Indian Handcrafts, and Young Mother. Doors open at 8pm and admission is only $5 at the door with all proceeds from ticket sales going back to the community through the Artists’ Health Centre Foundation.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Nova Scotia’s largest hop yard, FiddleHop Farms will be capping off another season in production. With the help of some amazing volunteers the FiddleHop crew will be harvesting this year’s yield of local organic hops for Halifax beer maker, Garrison Brewery.

“We’re really excited to continue our partnership with Garrison Brewery” said Evan Price, co-owner of FiddleHop Farms. “We were very pleased with the ‘3 Fields Harvest Ale’ which was made in collaboration with hops from our field and 3 other hops producers in the province. We have an exceptional yield of crops this year and we are proud that our hops and farm will be a part of such a great product!”

“It has been a full season of overcoming obstacles, while using organic pest control and nutrient management techniques” co-owner Jason Pelley added. “We’re very proud to be a part of Nova Scotia’s farming community and contribute to a completely Nova Scotian beer.”

FiddleHop Farm works very closely with Garrison ‘Brewmaster’, Daniel Girard to ensure quality production for brewing. Each year all the hop farms in Nova Scotia who supply Garrison, harvest their crop on the same day and Garrison adds them to the kettle within a 24 hour period to create this special annual “wet hop” brew.

Be sure to watch for the release of Garrison Brewery’s “3 Fields Harvest Ale” this season! Made with over 100kg of Nova Scotia "wet hops” this ale is a great celebration of the local beer making industry!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

All Beer Stores will be closed on Monday, September 3, 2012 to observe the Labour Day statutory holiday. All Beer Stores will observe regular Sunday hours of sale and reopen Tuesday, September 4th.

For more information about The Beer Store, visit them at www.thebeerstore.ca. The Beer Store would like to remind you that they take back 100% of all beer packaging as well as all wine and spirit containers. The Beer Store also wishes to remind you to please, drink responsibly. All customers and employees, please enjoy a safe holiday.

Please note that Ontario Craft Brewery retail shops will be open for your Monday beer purchases. Please enjoy some delicious local Ontario beer.

All LCBO stores will be closed on Labour Day, Monday, September 3 and resume business on Tuesday, September 4.

Many LCBO stores in cottage and resort areas will stay open until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 31. All LCBO stores will observe their normal business hours on Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2.

LCBO agency stores may be open on Labour Day, provided local municipalities do not object. Agency stores are locally-owned retail establishments authorized by the LCBO to sell beverage alcohol, along with other retail products, in communities that are too small to support LCBO stores.

All LCBO offices, including LCBO Customer Service and the helloLCBO Contact Centre will be closed on Labour Day. For Labour Day weekend store hours, customers should check for individual store hours with their local LCBO store or online at www.lcbo.com using the 'Store Search' feature. They can also contact the toll-free, bilingual helloLCBO Contact Centre at 1-800-ONT-LCBO (668-5226) or online at www.hellolcbo.com. In Toronto, call 416 365-5900. The TTY number for people who are deaf and hard of hearing is 416 864-6898 or 1-800-361-3291.

The LCBO reminds everyone to please drink responsibly and to never consume alcohol when driving or boating. Responsible hosting information is available at www.deflatetheelephant.com.